Foot cover and method for manufacturing foot cover

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides the foot cover which inhibits deterioration in comfort in wearing and decrease in flexibility which would be caused by an adhesive member provided at a heel part. The foot cover includes a plantar part which is to cover a sole of a foot, and a side part which is to cover a toe and a heel of the foot and to cover both sides of the foot which extend from the toe to the heel. The side part is made of seamless annular flexible cloth having a foot insertion opening part, and the plantar part is joined to the side part with a joining process excluding sewing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This Nonprovisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 on Patent Application No. 2019-097765 filed in Japan on May 24, 2019 and on Patent Application No. 2020-070595 filed in Japan on Apr. 9, 2020, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a foot cover. Specifically, the present invention relates to a foot cover in which pieces of cloth thereof are joined together with a method other than sewing.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, shoes such as pumps or sneakers are widely worn as if bare feet are directly wearing the shoes. In a case where bare feet directly wear shoes, the inside of the shoes gets sweaty due to sweat and the like. In order to deal with this, foot covers are usually worn. However, if the foot cover has a sewn (seam) part, the sewn part digs into the skin due to compression by pumps or the like or the sewn part makes contact with the skin and thus comfort in wearing is deteriorated.

Under the circumstances, foot covers having no sewn parts have been proposed. For example, Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 disclose foot covers each of which is formed to have a three-dimensional shape having no sewn part by joining knit fabrics together with an adhesive tape. In Patent Literature 1, a first flexible knit fabric constituting a lateral side part, a heel part, and a toe part is joined to a second flexible knit fabric constituting a plantar part with an adhesive member such as an adhesive tape. Thus, the foot cover is formed into a three-dimensional shape without a seam part. In Patent Literature 2, edges of one sheet of flexible knit fabric are joined together with use of an adhesive tape. Thus, a foot cover is formed into a three-dimensional shape without a sewn part.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

[Patent Literature 1]

Japanese Patent Application Publication Tokukai No. 2018-95996 (Publication date: Jun. 21, 2018)

[Patent Literature 2]

Japanese Patent Application Publication Tokukai No. 2017-14669 (Publication date: Jan. 19, 2017)

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

However, according to the techniques disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 and 2, the foot cover has the configuration in which the adhesive tape is attached on a heel part (heel rear part) at which the foot cover tends to come off. The foot cover is typically formed such that an area of a part covering the foot becomes small so that the foot cover is hardly seen when being worn. Therefore, the foot cover has a structure with which the foot cover easily comes off. In most cases, when the foot cover comes off, the heel part of the foot cover first slips off, and then the plantar part and the side part on the heel side also come off together so as to follow the heel part. As such, in a case where the adhesive tape is attached on the heel part (heel rear part) at which the foot cover easily comes off, a problem occurs in which flexibility of cloth is deteriorated and this makes the foot cover come off more easily due to displacement of a wearing position. Further, in the heel part, the cloth strongly fits to the foot. Therefore, in a case where the adhesive tape is attached to the heel part (heel rear part), a problem of deterioration in comfort in wearing also occurs.

An aspect of the present invention is accomplished in view of the problems, and its object is to provide a foot cover which inhibits deterioration in comfort in wearing and which is less likely to be displaced and less likely to come off.

Solution to Problem

In order to attain the object, a foot cover in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes: a plantar part which is to cover a sole of a foot; and a side part which is to cover a toe and a heel of the foot and to cover both sides of the foot which extend from the toe to the heel, the side part being made of annular flexible cloth having an opening which serves as a foot insertion opening, the plantar part being joined to the side part with a joining process excluding sewing, the annular flexible cloth of which the side part is made being seamless or being constituted by pieces of flexible cloth which are joined to each other at a seam with a joining process excluding sewing, the seam being provided at a location excluding a heel rear part which corresponds to a rear end of the heel.

In order to attain the object, a method for manufacturing a foot cover in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes: a plantar part forming step of forming a plantar part which is to cover a sole of a foot; a side part forming step of forming a side part which is to cover a toe and a heel of the foot and to cover both sides of the foot which extend from the toe to the heel; and a joining step of joining the plantar part to the side part with a joining process excluding sewing, in the side part forming step, (i) the side part being formed by cutting flexible cloth such that the side part has an opening serving as a foot insertion opening and has a substantially planar shape and a seamless annular shape, or (ii) the side part being formed by joining pieces of flexible cloth with a joining process excluding sewing such that the side part has an opening serving as a foot insertion opening and has a substantially planar shape and an annular shape having a seam provided at a location excluding a heel rear part which corresponds to a rear end of the heel.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide the foot cover which inhibits deterioration in comfort in wearing and which is less likely to be displaced and less likely to come off.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a foot is wearing a foot cover in accordance with Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the foot cover.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view illustrating the foot cover illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating the foot cover illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a left side view illustrating the foot cover illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a state in which the foot cover illustrated in FIG. 2 is turned inside out so that a joining member is exposed.

FIG. 7 is an end view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a foot cover in accordance with Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1

The following description will discuss an embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. 1 through 6. In Embodiment 1, a foot cover 1 will be described which can be used for both a right foot and a left foot so that a case of putting a foot cover on the wrong foot will not occur. Note, however, that Embodiment 1 is not limited to this and it is possible to provide foot covers for a left foot and a right foot, respectively. For example, the foot cover 1 can have a shape of tabi sock (two-toed sock) or have a shape of five-toed sock.

(Overview of Foot Cover)

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a foot F is wearing a foot cover 1 in accordance with Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the foot cover 1 includes (i) a plantar part 2 which covers a sole 10 of the foot F and (ii) a side part 3 which covers a toe 11 and a heel 12 of the foot F and covers both sides 13 of the foot F which extend from the toe 11 to the heel 12. The foot cover 1 is formed by joining outer peripheral parts of two sheets of substantially planar cloth, which constitute the plantar part 2 and the side part 3, respectively, with a joining process excluding sewing (unsewn joining process). The term “sewing” used herein refers to a general process of stitching a piece of cloth and another piece of cloth with use of a separate thread-like material, and the term “sewing” is not limited to a particular stitching process (i.e., way of stitching) and a particular type of thread.

The side part 3 is made of flexible cloth. The side part 3 has, in its substantially center part, an opening which has a substantially elliptical shape and serves as a foot insertion opening part (foot insertion opening) 3 b through which the foot F is inserted into the foot cover 1 and goes out from the foot cover 1. The foot insertion opening part 3 b is formed largely such that an instep and an ankle of the foot F are exposed. According to the configuration, the foot cover 1 can be worn so that, when a shoe is worn, the foot cover 1 entirely hides in the shoe and cannot be seen.

The plantar part 2 and the side part 3 are constituted by synthetic fibers made of a material such as nylon or polyester so that, for example, the plantar part 2 and the side part 3 are joined to each other by ultrasonic welding (later described) or the like. It is preferable to use knit fabrics because knit fabrics have higher flexibility, but woven fabrics can also be used.

(Configuration of Foot Cover)

The following description will discuss a specific configuration of the foot cover 1 with reference to FIGS. 2 through 6. FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the foot cover 1 in accordance with Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a bottom view illustrating the foot cover 1. FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating the foot cover 1. FIG. 5 is a rear view illustrating the foot cover 1. FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which the foot cover 1 is turned inside out to expose a joining member 4.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the side part 3 has a shape corresponding to an outer peripheral shape of the plantar part 2. The side part 3 is formed by cutting one sheet of seamless flexible cloth such that the side part 3 becomes slightly larger in size than the plantar part 2. Moreover, the foot insertion opening part 3 b is formed in the side part 3 by cutting out a substantially center part of the side part 3. From this, the side part 3 is formed into an annular shape surrounding the foot insertion opening part 3 b. Further, the side part 3 is formed to be seamless and substantially planar.

Note that the side part 3 is not limited to the seamless structure. The side part 3 can have a seam which is provided at a location excluding a heel rear part (see the reference numeral “32 a” in FIG. 8) that corresponds to a rear end of the heel 12. That is, the side part 3 only needs to have a configuration in which a seam is not provided in the heel rear part. In a case where no seam is provided in the heel rear part, it is possible to inhibit deterioration in comfort in wearing at the heel part of the foot cover 1. In this specification, the rear end of the heel 12 refers to a rear surface region of the heel 12 (calcaneus) located at the rear end of the foot F. Moreover, the heel rear part of the side part 3 refers to a rear end region of the heel part of the side part 3 corresponding to the rear end of the heel 12. In particular, the heel rear part of the side part 3 refers to a vertical-strip-like region which divides the heel part of the side part 3 (or the rear surface of the heel 12 (calcaneus)) into right and left parts (i.e., divides into two substantially equal parts) in a rear view of the foot cover 1 which is being worn. Note that an example configuration of a foot cover in which a side part has a seam will be described later in another embodiment.

The side part 3 is made of flexible cloth. Therefore, in a case where the foot cover 1 is worn, the side part 3 can fit along a three-dimensional shape of the foot F, and this makes it possible to prevent the foot cover 1 from coming off or prevent displacement of a wearing position.

An area by which the instep of the foot F is covered can be adjusted by changing the shape of the foot insertion opening part 3 b. In a case where a length of the foot insertion opening part 3 b in a longitudinal direction is set to be longer, it is possible to obtain a foot cover 1 for so-called “shallow wearing”. In contrast, in a case where the length of the foot insertion opening part 3 b in the longitudinal direction is set to be shorter, it is possible to obtain a foot cover 1 for “deep wearing”.

Note that, in a case where a diameter of an arc 3 c of the foot insertion opening part 3 b on a heel 12 side is set to be greater than that of an arc 3 d of an outer periphery of the foot cover 1 on the heel 12 side, a covered area of the heel 12 of the foot F becomes large when the foot cover 1 is worn. This makes it possible to prevent the foot cover 1 from coming off.

In a case where the side part 3 is made of free cut cloth (which is cloth whose edge does not need to be settled), it is not necessary to (i) carry out a hemming process with respect to an edge of the foot insertion opening part 3 b for prevention of a frayed spot or (ii) provide flexible thin cloth or a resin along a peripheral edge of the foot insertion opening part 3 b. Further, in such a case, comfort in wearing is improved.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the plantar part 2 has a toe part 2 d and a heel part 2 e which are arc-shaped in accordance with a shape of the sole 10 of the foot F. A diameter of the arc of the toe part 2 d is set to be slightly larger than a diameter of the heel part 2 e. Moreover, lateral parts 2 f each of which extends from the toe part 2 d to the heel part 2 e and corresponds to the arch of foot are arc-shaped (i.e., gently concaved) so as to come closer to each other. Note that the plantar part 2 is not limited to this shape and can be changed to have another shape in accordance with a shape of the foot F.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, an appearance shape of the foot cover 1 is a substantially planar shape in the side view. That is, the foot cover 1 is formed by joining outer peripheral parts 2 a and 3 a of two sheets of substantially planar cloth, which constitute the plantar part 2 and the side part 3, respectively, with an unsewn joining process such that the foot cover 1 has the substantially planar shape as a whole.

Specifically, the heel part in the side part 3 of the foot cover 1 is not subjected to processing, stitching, sewing for joining, or the like by which the side part 3 would stand in a direction (e.g., a substantially vertical direction) other than the plane direction in a state where the foot cover 1 is not worn. Thus, the side part 3 has the shape which is substantially planar and is seamless. The outer peripheral part 3 a of the side part 3 is joined to the outer peripheral part 2 a of the plantar part 2, which has a substantially planar shape as with the side part 3, such that the foot cover 1 is formed to have a substantially planar shape. From this, the foot cover 1 as a whole has the substantially planar shape in the side view, front view, and the like as illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. That is, the foot cover 1 has a non-three-dimensional shape which does not constitute a substantial height except for thicknesses of the cloth and the joining member and for wrinkles or strains that naturally occur. From this, in a case where the foot cover 1 is mounted on a display pasteboard which imitates a sole and the cloth is slightly stretched along a pasteboard surface, cloth surfaces cling to pasteboard surfaces on both sides (i.e., the side part 3 and the plantar part 2) of the foot cover 1.

From this, in a case where the foot cover 1 is packaged while being mounted on a piece of pasteboard, no wrinkles or no creases are caused, and it is therefore possible to display the foot cover 1 at a selling area or the like without impairing a shape of a product. Moreover, the foot cover 1 can save a storage area because the foot cover 1 is not bulky, and thus can be efficiently transported. Further, it is possible to omit a procedure of joining at a seam.

The foot cover 1 as a whole has the substantially planar shape. From this, when the foot cover 1 is worn, cloth of the side part 3 at a portion corresponding to the heel 12 stands along a shape of the heel. Accordingly, force for causing the cloth to fit to the heel 12 tends to occur. Further, the outer peripheral parts 2 a and 3 a of respective of the plantar part 2 and the side part 3 are formed by an unsewn joining process. From this, no protruding part is generated by sewing, and therefore the foot cover 1 is more likely to fit to the shape of heel. According to the configuration, it is possible to heighten a fit with respect to the whole heel 12, and it is possible to inhibit the foot cover 1 from being displaced or from coming off.

(Ultrasonic Welding)

The plantar part 2 and the side part 3 are joined to each other by, for example, ultrasonic welding. The ultrasonic welding is a process of instantly melting and joining two sheets of cloth with frictional heat that is generated by applying ultrasonic vibration and pressure to joining surfaces of the cloth. By the ultrasonic welding, joining can be carried out in an arrangement in which the joining surfaces of cloth face and contact with each other. From this, the two sheets of cloth do not need to overlap with each other for joining, and it is thus possible to form a substantially flat joint part 5 that does not convexly protrude. This makes it possible to improve comfort in wearing.

(Joining Member)

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the joint part 5 is preferably located in the vicinity of an edge of the sole 10 of the foot F. However, the joint part 5 can be located closer to the center. In Embodiment 1, for example, a joining member 4 such as an adhesive tape is attached onto the joint part 5 inside the foot cover 1. The adhesive tape is made of an adhesive material such as an acrylic resin or a silicon-based resin or of a synthetic rubber. The adhesive tape is used in a process in which the adhesive tape is fused by heat for joining pieces of cloth.

The joining member 4 having a belt-like shape is attached to an inner side part of the side part 3 such that a line of the joint part 5 extends on the middle in width of the joining member 4, and it is thus possible to enhance strength of the joint part 5.

Note that, in a state in which the foot cover 1 is worn on the foot F, the side part 3 stretches in accordance with the shape of the foot F because the side part 3 is made of flexible cloth. From this, the foot cover 1 can fit the foot F. Here, if the plantar part 2 is joined to the side part 3 by sewing, the joint part 5 is to have a convexly protruding thin line shape. Therefore, when a wearer walks, the joint part 5 may also move concomitantly with the motion of walking. If the joint part 5 clings to the toe 11 or the wearer steps on the convexly protruding joint part 5, comfort in wearing is deteriorated. Moreover, the joint part 5 convexly protrudes, and therefore it is difficult to form the foot cover into the substantially planar shape as a whole. In particular, in a case where cloth of the side part 3 is thin, an appearance in display tends to be impaired by, for example, a convex appearing on the front surface.

In contrast, according to the foot cover 1 in accordance with Embodiment 1, the substantially planar plantar part 2 is joined to the substantially planar side part 3 by an unsewn joining process. This makes it possible to suitably form the foot cover 1 into a substantially planar shape as a whole, as well as to prevent deterioration in comfort in wearing and to prevent the foot cover 1 from easily coming off.

(Method for Manufacturing Foot Cover)

The following description will discuss a method for manufacturing the foot cover 1. The method for manufacturing the foot cover 1 includes a plantar part forming step of forming a plantar part 2, a side part forming step of forming a side part 3, and a joining step of joining the plantar part 2 to the side part 3 with an unsewn joining process.

In the method for manufacturing the foot cover 1, flexible cloth is cut in accordance with an intended pattern so as to form a side part 3 which (i) has an opening serving as a foot insertion opening part 3 b and (ii) has a substantially planar shape and a seamless annular shape in the side part forming step. According to the configuration, outer peripheral parts of two sheets of substantially planar cloth respectively constituting the plantar part 2 and the side part 3 are joined together with an unsewn joining process in the joining step, and it is thus possible to manufacture the foot cover 1 which can inhibit deterioration in comfort in wearing and decrease in flexibility.

Note that, in the joining step, it is possible (i) to carry out ultrasonic welding of the plantar part 2 and the side part 3 such that the plantar part 2 and the side part 3 do not overlap with each other and (ii) further to join the plantar part 2 to the side part 3 with a belt-shaped joining member 4. This makes it possible to reduce a thickness of the joint part 5, and thus comfort in wearing is improved.

Alternatively, in the joining step, it is possible to join the plantar part 2 to the side part 3 with heat seal or an adhesive agent such that an outer peripheral part of the plantar part 2 and an outer peripheral part the side part 3 overlap with each other. This makes it possible to easily join the plantar part 2 to the side part 3. Note that it is possible to attach a joining member 4 such as an adhesive tape to a joint part 5 at which the plantar part 2 is joined to the side part 3 with heat seal or an adhesive agent. This makes it possible to enhance strength of the joint part 5.

Embodiment 2

The following description will discuss another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. 7. For convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals are given to constituent members having functions identical with those of the constituent members described in the foregoing embodiment, and descriptions of such constituent members are not repeated here.

(Double-Layered Bottom)

FIG. 7 is an end view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 2. Note that, although the foot cover 1 is configured to have a substantially planar shape, the foot cover 1 is three-dimensionally illustrated in FIG. 7 for convenience of explanation. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the plantar part 2 can be configured to include an inner cloth 2 b which is to make contact with the foot F and an outer cloth 2 c which covers the inner cloth 2 b from the outer side. According to the configuration, it is possible to use different materials for the inner cloth 2 b and the outer cloth 2 c. For example, it is possible that (i) natural fiber cloth which is kind to the skin and has good breathability is used for the inner cloth 2 b and (ii) synthetic fiber cloth which has higher strength and can be subjected to ultrasonic welding is used for the outer cloth 2 c.

In this case, the outer cloth 2 c of the plantar part 2 and the side part 3 are joined to each other by, for example, ultrasonic welding. A joining member 4 a such as an adhesive tape is attached onto a joint part 5, which has been obtained by ultrasonic welding, so as to reinforce the joint part 5. Further, the inner cloth 2 b is placed on the outer cloth 2 c and the joining member 4 a, and the joining member 4 b such as an adhesive tape is attached to join the joining member 4 a to the inner cloth 2 b.

By thus carrying out joining by ultrasonic welding and then further carrying out joining with use of the joining member 4 such as an adhesive tape, it is possible to make the joint part 5 flat, prevent deterioration in comfort in wearing, and maintain sufficient joint strength.

Embodiment 3

The following description will discuss still another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. 8. For convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals are given to constituent members having functions identical with those of the constituent members described in the foregoing embodiments, and descriptions of such constituent members are not repeated here.

(Configuration of Foot Cover)

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a foot cover 1 a in accordance with Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 8 illustrates a state in which the foot cover 1 a is turned inside out.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the foot cover 1 a includes a plantar part 2 and a side part 30. The side part 30 includes a first side part 31 (side part) and a second side part (side part, heel part) 32. The first side part 31 is made of flexible cloth which covers the toe 11 and the both sides 13 of the foot F. The second side part 32 is made of flexible cloth which covers the heel 12 of the foot F. The first side part 31 and the second side part 32 are joined together with a joining process excluding sewing at heel side parts of the side part 30 which correspond to both sides (i.e., right and left) of the heel 12 of the foot F. As such, the side part 30 made of annular flexible cloth is formed.

In each of the heel side parts of the side part 30, a seam 6 is provided which is a joint part between the first side part 31 and the second side part 32. The first side part 31 is joined to the second side part 32 at the seam 6, and thus a foot insertion opening part 3 b having a substantially rectangular shape is formed in a substantially center part of the side part 30. In the foot cover 1 a, an area of the side part 30 which covers the instep of the foot F is larger than that of the foot cover 1 described above. That is, the foot cover 1 a is a “deep wearing” type foot cover in which a length of the foot insertion opening part 3 b in the longitudinal direction is shorter than that of the foot cover 1.

Here, in the foot cover 1 a, the seam 6 is provided at a location excluding the heel rear part 32 a of the second side part 32 so that the seam 6 does not exist in the heel rear part 32 a which corresponds to the rear end of the heel 12. That is, in a rear view of the foot cover 1 a which is being worn, the seam 6 is provided at the location excluding the heel rear part 32 a which is a vertical-strip-like region that longitudinally extends through a middle part of the second side part 32 so as to divide the second side part 32 into right and left parts (i.e., divide into two substantially equal parts). In a case where the seam 6 is provided at the location excluding the heel rear part 32 a, the seam 6 does not exist in the rear end of the heel 12 which tends to feel a fit. Thus, the deterioration in comfort in wearing is inhibited. From this, it is possible to inhibit deterioration in comfort in wearing at the heel part (second side part 32) of the foot cover 1 a.

Note that the seam 6 only needs to be provided at a location other than the heel rear part 32 a. Therefore, seams 6 can be provided in both heel side parts of the side part 30 as in Embodiment 3, as long as the seams 6 are provided at the location excluding the heel rear part 32 a. Alternatively, it is possible to provide the seam 6 at a location different from the heel side parts.

(Method for Manufacturing Foot Cover)

The method for manufacturing the foot cover 1 a includes a plantar part forming step of forming a plantar part 2, a side part forming step of forming a side part 30, and a joining step of joining the plantar part 2 to the side part 30 with an unsewn joining process. Among those steps, the plantar part forming step and the joining step are substantially the same as those in the above described method for manufacturing the foot cover 1 and are therefore not described here.

In the side part forming step, flexible cloth is cut in accordance with a pattern of the first side part 31 and with a pattern of the second side part 32. Then, the flexible cloth of the first side part 31 thus cut is joined, with an unsewn joining process, to the flexible cloth of the second side part 32 thus cut. In this case, the first side part 31 is joined to the second side part 32 such that the seam 6 is located at a location excluding the heel rear part 32 a. Thus, the annular side part 30 is formed which has an opening serving as a foot insertion opening part 3 b, has a substantially planar shape, and has the seam 6 that is provided at a location excluding the heel rear part 32 a. Then, outer peripheral parts of two sheets of substantially planar cloth which respectively constitute the plantar part 2 and the side part 30 are joined together with an unsewn joining process in the joining step, and it is thus possible to manufacture the foot cover 1 a.

(Effect of Foot Cover)

The foot cover 1 a in accordance with Embodiment 3 includes (i) the plantar part 2 which is to cover the sole 10 of the foot F and (ii) the side part 30 which is to cover the toe 11 and the heel 12 of the foot F and to cover both sides 13 of the foot F which extend from the toe 11 to the heel 12. In the side part 30, the seam 6 is provided at a location excluding the heel rear part 32 a which corresponds to the rear end of the heel 12, and the side part 30 is made of annular flexible cloth in which flexible cloth of the first side part 31 is joined to flexible cloth of the second side part 32 at the seam 6 with a joining process excluding sewing.

According to the foot cover 1 a, the side part 30 is made of annular flexible cloth having a joint at the location (seam 6) excluding the heel rear part 32 a. This makes it possible to inhibit deterioration in comfort in wearing and inhibit the foot cover 1 a from being displaced and from coming off.

Modification Example

The examples described in the above embodiments can be altered as appropriate. For example, in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, the joining process has been described in which the ultrasonic welding and the adhesive tape are used in combination. Alternatively, it is possible to employ, for example, the following joining processes, provided that the process is not sewing.

(Heat Seal)

The plantar part 2 can be joined to the side part 3 with, for example, heat seal. The outer peripheral part 2 a of the plantar part 2 is overlapped with the outer peripheral part 3 a of the side part 3, and the overlapping part is heated so as to be sealed by fusion. According to this process, it is possible to carry out bonding without impairing flexibility of cloth of the joint part.

(Adhesive Agent)

The plantar part 2 can be joined to the side part 3 with, for example, an adhesive agent. The outer peripheral part 2 a of the plantar part 2 is overlapped with the outer peripheral part 3 a of the side part 3, then an adhesive agent such as an adhesive polymer is applied to the overlapping part, and then the outer peripheral part 2 a and the outer peripheral part 3 a are joined together with heat seal. Alternatively, it is possible to carry out the joining by applying an adhesive agent which can achieve joining without heating.

(Non-Slip Structure)

The example has been described in which the adhesive tape is attached to the joint part 5 inside the foot cover 1 for reinforcing the joint part 5. Alternatively, it is possible to attach an adhesive tape which has a friction coefficient higher than that of the plantar part 2 to the joint part 5 from the outside of the foot cover 1 such that the adhesive tape serves also as a non-slip structure.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but can be altered by a skilled person in the art within the scope of the claims. The present invention also encompasses, in its technical scope, any embodiment derived by combining technical means disclosed in differing embodiments.

Aspects of the present invention can also be expressed as follows:

The foot cover in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes: a plantar part which is to cover a sole of a foot; and a side part which is to cover a toe and a heel of the foot and to cover both sides of the foot which extend from the toe to the heel, the side part being made of annular flexible cloth having an opening which serves as a foot insertion opening, the plantar part being joined to the side part with a joining process excluding sewing, the annular flexible cloth of which the side part is made being seamless or being constituted by pieces of flexible cloth which are joined to each other at a seam with a joining process excluding sewing, the seam being provided at a location excluding a heel rear part which corresponds to a rear end of the heel.

According to the configuration, the side part is made of seamless annular flexible cloth or of annular flexible cloth having a joint obtained by an unsewn joining process at a location excluding the heel rear part. This makes it possible to provide the foot cover which inhibits deterioration in comfort in wearing and is less likely to be displaced and less likely to come off.

According to the foot cover in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the annular flexible cloth can have a substantially planar shape.

According to the configuration, the annular flexible cloth of which the side part is made has the substantially planar shape. From this, it is possible to reduce a height of the foot cover as a whole in a state in which the foot cover is not worn.

According to the foot cover in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the plantar part can be joined to the side part such that the foot cover as a whole has a substantially planar shape when seen in a side view.

According to the configuration, the foot cover as a whole has the substantially planar shape. From this, in a case where the foot cover is packaged while being mounted on a piece of pasteboard, no wrinkles or no creases are caused, and it is therefore possible to display the foot cover at a selling area or the like without impairing a shape of a product. Moreover, the foot cover can save a storage area because the foot cover is not bulky, and thus can be efficiently transported.

According to the foot cover in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the plantar part can include (i) an inner cloth which is to make contact with the foot and (ii) an outer cloth which covers the inner cloth.

According to the configuration, the plantar part has a two-layered structure. This makes it possible to improve strength of the plantar part.

According to the foot cover in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the inner cloth and the outer cloth can be made of different materials.

According to the configuration, for example, the inner cloth which is to make contact with the skin can be made of natural fibers having good breathability and the outer cloth can be made of synthetic fibers having higher strength, and it is thus possible to concurrently achieve comfort in wearing and strength.

According to the foot cover in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a joint part between the plantar part and the side part can be located on a sole side of the foot.

According to the configuration, the joint part is located on the sole side of the foot and is not located at the toe of the foot which tends to feel a fit of the joint part. This makes it possible to improve comfort in wearing.

The foot cover in accordance with an aspect of the present invention can further includes a joining member which joins an outer peripheral part of the plantar part to an outer peripheral part of the side part in an unsewn joining manner.

According to the configuration, for example, the outer peripheral part of the plantar part is joined to the outer peripheral part of the side part with the joining member such as an adhesive tape. This makes it possible to improve strength of the joint part.

According to the foot cover in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the plantar part can be joined to the side part with the joining member in an arrangement in which the plantar part and the side part do not overlap with each other.

According to the configuration, the plantar part and the side part do not overlap with each other at the joint part. This makes it possible to reduce a thickness of the joint part and to improve comfort in wearing.

According to the foot cover in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the flexible cloth can be free cut cloth.

According to the configuration, it is not necessary to carry out a hemming process on a peripheral edge of the opening or to attach flexible thin cloth along the peripheral edge of the opening in order to prevent a frayed spot or the like to be generated in the opening which is the foot insertion opening. This makes it possible to improve comfort in wearing.

The method for manufacturing a foot cover in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes: a plantar part forming step of forming a plantar part which is to cover a sole of a foot; a side part forming step of forming a side part which is to cover a toe and a heel of the foot and to cover both sides of the foot which extend from the toe to the heel; and a joining step of joining the plantar part to the side part with a joining process excluding sewing, in the side part forming step, (i) the side part being formed by cutting flexible cloth such that the side part has an opening serving as a foot insertion opening and has a substantially planar shape and a seamless annular shape, or (ii) the side part being formed by joining pieces of flexible cloth with a joining process excluding sewing such that the side part has an opening serving as a foot insertion opening and has a substantially planar shape and an annular shape having a seam provided at a location excluding a heel rear part which corresponds to a rear end of the heel.

According to the method, in the side part forming step, the side part which has a substantially planar shape and a seamless annular shape is formed or the side part which has a substantially planar shape and an annular shape having a seam provided at a location excluding a heel rear part is formed. This makes it possible to manufacture the foot cover which can inhibit deterioration in comfort in wearing and decrease in flexibility.

According to the method for manufacturing a foot cover in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the plantar part can be joined to the side part with a belt-shaped joining member in the joining step such that the plantar part and the side part do not overlap with each other.

According to the method, the plantar part is joined to the side part with a belt-shaped joining member such that the plantar part and the side part do not overlap with each other. This makes it possible to reduce a thickness of the joint part and to improve comfort in wearing.

According to the method for manufacturing a foot cover in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the plantar part can be joined to the side part with heat seal in the joining step such that an outer peripheral part of the plantar part and an outer peripheral part of the side part overlap with each other.

According to the method, the plantar part can be easily joined to the side part with the heat seal without using a separate member.

According to the method for manufacturing a foot cover in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the plantar part can be joined to the side part with an adhesive agent in the joining step such that an outer peripheral part of the plantar part and an outer peripheral part of the side part overlap with each other.

According to the method, the plantar part can be easily joined to the side part with the adhesive agent.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1: Foot cover -   1 a: Foot cover -   2: Plantar part -   2 a: Outer peripheral part -   2 b: Inner cloth -   2 c: Outer cloth -   3: Side part -   3 a: Outer peripheral part -   3 b: Foot insertion opening part (foot insertion opening) -   4: Joining member -   5: Joint part -   6: Seam -   10: Sole -   11: Toe -   12: Heel -   13: Both sides -   30: Side part -   31: First side part (side part) -   32: Second side part (side part, heel part) -   32 a: Heel rear part -   F: Foot 

1. A foot cover, comprising: a plantar part which is to cover a sole of a foot; and a side part which is to cover a toe and a heel of the foot and to cover both sides of the foot which extend from the toe to the heel, the side part being made of annular flexible cloth having an opening which serves as a foot insertion opening, the plantar part being joined to the side part with a joining process excluding sewing, the annular flexible cloth of which the side part is made being seamless or being constituted by pieces of flexible cloth which are joined to each other at a seam with a joining process excluding sewing, the seam being provided at a location excluding a heel rear part which corresponds to a rear end of the heel.
 2. The foot cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein the annular flexible cloth has a substantially planar shape.
 3. The foot cover as set forth in claim 2, wherein the plantar part is joined to the side part such that the foot cover as a whole has a substantially planar shape when seen in a side view.
 4. The foot cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein the plantar part includes (i) an inner cloth which is to make contact with the foot and (ii) an outer cloth which covers the inner cloth.
 5. The foot cover as set forth in claim 4, wherein the inner cloth and the outer cloth are made of different materials.
 6. The foot cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein a joint part between the plantar part and the side part is located on a sole side of the foot.
 7. The foot cover as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: a joining member which joins an outer peripheral part of the plantar part to an outer peripheral part of the side part in an unsewn joining manner.
 8. The foot cover as set forth in claim 7, wherein the plantar part is joined to the side part with the joining member in an arrangement in which the plantar part and the side part do not overlap with each other.
 9. The foot cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein the flexible cloth is free cut cloth.
 10. A method for manufacturing a foot cover, said method comprising: a plantar part forming step of forming a plantar part which is to cover a sole of a foot; a side part forming step of forming a side part which is to cover a toe and a heel of the foot and to cover both sides of the foot which extend from the toe to the heel; and a joining step of joining the plantar part to the side part with a joining process excluding sewing, in the side part forming step, (i) the side part being formed by cutting flexible cloth such that the side part has an opening serving as a foot insertion opening and has a substantially planar shape and a seamless annular shape, or (ii) the side part being formed by joining pieces of flexible cloth with a joining process excluding sewing such that the side part has an opening serving as a foot insertion opening and has a substantially planar shape and an annular shape having a seam provided at a location excluding a heel rear part which corresponds to a rear end of the heel.
 11. The method as set forth in claim 10, wherein the plantar part is joined to the side part with a belt-shaped joining member in the joining step such that the plantar part and the side part do not overlap with each other.
 12. The method as set forth in claim 10, wherein the plantar part is joined to the side part with heat seal in the joining step such that an outer peripheral part of the plantar part and an outer peripheral part of the side part overlap with each other.
 13. The method as set forth in claim 10, wherein the plantar part is joined to the side part with an adhesive agent in the joining step such that an outer peripheral part of the plantar part and an outer peripheral part of the side part overlap with each other. 